Vehicle-Based Sign Language Communication Systems And Methods

ABSTRACT

Vehicle-based sign language communication systems and methods are provided herein. An example device can be configured to determine a sign language protocol used by the first user, determine a target language used by a second user, obtain a translation library based on the sign language protocol and the target language, receive spoken word input from a second user through a microphone, convert the spoken word input into sign language output using the translation library, and provide the sign language output using a sign language output device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to translation systems and methods andmore particularly to systems and methods that provide for vehicle-basedsign language translation and communication.

BACKGROUND

Ride-sharing services, which include both driver and driverlessofferings, provide limited accommodations to individuals with a hearingimpairment who rely on sign language communication. For example, a humandriver of a vehicle may not have the ability to converse in signlanguage. Even if the driver were to communicate in sign language, itmay distract the driver by requiring them to remove their hands from thesteering wheel. While the hearing-impaired passenger may message thedriver, it would be hard for the driver to read the message and reply toit safely. In some cases, the hearing impaired passengers may betourists who speak different languages or the driver may speak adifferent language or both. A solution, such as a keyboard interface forthe hearing-impaired passenger, does not provide a suitable solution dueto the potential for motion sickness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar oridentical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/orcomponents other than those illustrated in the drawings, and someelements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments.Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn toscale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singularand plural terminology may be used interchangeably. 100041 FIG. 1depicts an illustrative architecture in which techniques and structuresfor providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may beimplemented.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example sign language output devicein the form of a display with a three-dimensional avatar.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an example sign language output devicein the form of robotic arms.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example method of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another example method of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to provide ameans for a sign language speaker to converse with a person who isunable to speak in sign language. Generally, the systems and methodsherein allow a user within a vehicle to communicate with a sign languagespeaking passenger using a camera to capture sign language, translatethe sign language into a language used by the user, and output thetranslated sign language in a written or audible format. Similarly, thesystems and methods can be configured to convert spoken word, textual,and/or natural language input into sign language output. The signlanguage output can be provided to the sign language speaker using asign language output device. Example sign language output devicesinclude, but are not limited to, an animated avatar, holograms, robotichand(s), textual displays, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments,translation(s) services can be distributed to a cloud service providerfor processing. In other embodiments, the vehicle-based controller canreceive translation engines/libraries from the cloud service providerand perform translations at the vehicle level. According to someembodiments, the systems and methods herein can utilize haptic feedbackor other tactile feedback to gain the attention of a hearing-impairedindividual. In sum, the systems and methods herein provide forbi-directional communication between natural language speakers and signlanguage speakers.

Illustrative Embodiments

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative architecture100 in which techniques and structures of the present disclosure may beimplemented. The illustrative architecture 100 may include a vehicle102, a first user 104, a second user 106, a service provider 108, anetwork 110, and a mobile device 112. In some embodiments, the objectsin FIG. 1 can communicate over a network 110 using any suitablecommunication interface(s). The network 110 may include any one or acombination of multiple different types of networks, such as cablenetworks, the Internet, wireless networks, and other private and/orpublic networks. In some instances, the network 110 may includecellular, Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi direct.

Generally, the first user 104 is a sign language speaker and the seconduser 106 communicates through spoken word. To be sure, the second user106 can include an individual who is unable to communicate using signlanguage or is a user such as a driver of the vehicle 102 who desiresnot to communicate using sign language. For example, the driver may notwant to use sign language due to safety concerns. Broadly, the vehicle102 is configured (as disclosed herein) to mediate communication betweenthe first user 104 and the second user 106 using bi-directionaltranslation between sign language and any spoken language. For example,the first user 104 speaks sign language and the second user 106, who isa driver of the vehicle 102, may speak English or any other knownlanguage. To be sure, there exist numerous types of sign languageprotocols and many spoken languages.

In various embodiments, the vehicle 102 can include an autonomousvehicle. The second user 106 could include a voice control system of theautonomous vehicle rather than a human being. Thus, a sign languagespeaker can interact with a voice control system of an autonomousvehicle using sign language. To be sure, in the various embodimentsdisclosed herein, the first user 104 (e.g., sign language speaker) canreceive communications using a sign language output device of thevehicle 102. The sign language output device could provide an animatedrepresentation such as an avatar that communicates with the first user104 through sign language. In other embodiments, the sign languageoutput device could provide textual content, in addition to or in placeof the avatar. In yet other embodiments, the sign language output devicecould include a robotic set of hands that provide the sign languagespeech.

In one embodiment, a passenger speaks in sign language. These signlanguage gestures are received through a camera. This sign languageinput is translated into natural language or spoken words which areoutput to a driver through an audio device. The driver can speak back,and this speech is translated into sign language. The sign languageoutput is provided to the passenger via a sign language output device(such as a three-dimensional animated person on a screen, a hologram, ora robotic arm).

According to various embodiments, the vehicle 102 comprises a vehiclecontroller 114, a microphone 116, a camera 118, an audio output device120, a human-machine interface 122, a haptic feedback system 124, a signlanguage output device 126, and a communications interface 128. Inanother embodiment related to automated vehicles (AV), the sign languagespeaking passenger may want to communicate with remote customer supportfrom within the vehicle. The system facilitates this communicationefficiently using similar sign language-to-audible speech (and viceversa) translation. To be sure, while some embodiments disclosebi-directional speech conversion between a passenger and a driver, thepresent disclosure contemplates the bi-directional speech conversionbetween any sign language speaker and spoken word speaker, which couldinclude a driver, another passenger, a remotely located customer serviceagent, or a voice control system of the vehicle—just to name a few.Also, in embodiments related to AVs, the AV could include an artificialintelligence engine or equivalent system that allows for conversationwith a sign language speaking individual within the AV.

Turning now to a discussion of specific vehicle components, according tosome embodiments, the vehicle controller 114 can comprise a processor130 and memory 132. The memory 132 stores instructions, such as signlanguage translation logic that can be executed by the processor 130 toperform aspects of bi-directional sign language translation andcommunication. When referring to operations executed by the vehiclecontroller 114 it will be understood that this includes the execution ofinstructions by the processor 130.

The vehicle controller 114 can be configured to receive sign languageinput from the first user 104 using the camera 118. The vehiclecontroller 114 can receive spoken word input from the second user 106through the microphone 116. The vehicle controller 114 can translate thesign language input into a first target language translation based on aknown language type used by the second user 106. Further, the vehiclecontroller 114 can also provide the first target language translationthrough the audio output device 120, and convert the spoken word inputinto sign language output that is provided using the sign languageoutput device 126.

The microphone 116 can be utilized to receive spoken language input froma user within the vehicle, such as the second user 106. In variousembodiments, the spoken language input can be analyzed to determine alanguage type for the second user 106. For example, the vehiclecontroller 114 can be configured to analyze the spoken language inputreceived through the microphone 116 to determine that the second user106 is speaking in a particular language such as English or Spanish. Insome embodiments, the vehicle controller 114 can transmit the spokenlanguage input (or a sample thereof) to the service provider 108. Theservice provider 108 can analyze the spoken language input to determinethe language type.

In various embodiments, the camera 118 is utilized to receive an imagefeed (e.g., sign language input) of the first user 104, who is providingsign language gestures. The camera 118 is positioned within the vehicle102 so as to capture images of the first user 104 (or another passenger)who may be positioned in the front or back of the vehicle 102.

The vehicle controller 114 can be configured to determine a signlanguage protocol from the sign language input. In some embodiments, thefirst user 104 can select which sign language protocol they would liketo use from a menu provided on an interface within the vehicle 102 or ontheir mobile device 112. Alternatively, the vehicle controller 114 cantransmit the sign language input (or a sample thereof) to the serviceprovider 108 for analysis. The service provider 108 can be configured todetermine a sign language protocol from the sign language input. Thevehicle controller 114 can access the network 110 using thecommunications interface 128 in order to communicate with the serviceprovider 108.

When the sign language protocol for the first user 104 and the languagetype for the second user 106 are known, the service provider 108 canprovide a translation library or engine to the vehicle controller 114that allows the vehicle controller 114 to bi-directionally translatebetween the sign language protocol and the language type. Thetranslation library could include a translation corpus or a translationtable. In other embodiments, the service provider 108 can utilizemachine translation or a translation memory. Rather than detecting signlanguage protocols and language types, the vehicle controller 114 orservice provider 108 may receive selections or indications of theseparameters from the first user 104 and the second user 106. For example,each of these users may create a user profile that can be stored at thevehicle controller 114 and/or service provider 108 level. A user couldselect their preferred language when creating a rideshare request(examples of which will be provided in greater detail herein).

In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controller 114 may receive signlanguage input from the first user 104 and determine the sign languagecontent using, for example, pattern recognition. For example, thevehicle controller 114 can match the sign language input to patternsfound in the sign language protocol. When a match is determined, acorresponding spoken language match may be found in the translationlibrary. This spoken language match can be provided to the second user106 as spoken language output provided through the audio output device120. In various embodiments, the audio output device 120 is a speakerthat outputs a synthesized human voice in the language type of thesecond user 106. In some embodiments, the audio output device 120 couldbe a component of the human-machine interface 122 or an integratedin-vehicle communications and entertainment system such as SYNC™. Statedotherwise, the vehicle controller 114 translates the sign language inputof the first user 104 into a spoken or audible output that is providedfor the second user 106. The translated content is referred to in someinstances as a first target language translation. Thus, the first targetlanguage translation is provided through the audio output device for thebenefit of the second user 106.

In order for the first user 104 to understand the spoken words of thesecond user 106, the microphone 116 receives spoken word or naturallanguage input from the second user 106. The vehicle controller 114 thentranslates the same into sign language output using the translationlibrary/engine. Broadly stated, the vehicle controller 114 can convertthe spoken word input into sign language output. The sign languageoutput can be further converted (if needed) into a format that can bedisplayed through the sign language output device 126.

According to some embodiments, the vehicle controller 114 can determineif the first user 104 is attentively watching for sign languageresponses or other messages by using facial recognition or other patternmatching. For example, the vehicle controller 114 can use imagesobtained from the camera 118 to determine if the first user 104 islooking at the camera 118. Stated otherwise the vehicle controller 114can utilize the output of the in-vehicle camera to determine when thefirst user is looking at the sign language output device. The vehiclecontroller 114 may delay providing the sign language output when thefirst user 104 is not paying attention.

If the first user 104 is not paying attention, the vehicle controller114 can activate the haptic feedback system 124. In one embodiment, thehaptic feedback system 124 could include a vibrational element in a seatoccupied by the first user 104. To gain the attention of the first user104, the haptic feedback system 124 may be activated to vibrate the seatoccupied by the first user 104. Vibrations provided through the hapticfeedback system 124 can be activated immediately before the provision ofsign language output that can be provided by the sign language outputdevice 126. Alternatively, the vehicle controller 114 could activate ahaptic feature on the mobile device 112 and/or provide the mobile device112 with a message to look at the camera 118.

As noted above, natural or spoken language can be translated by thevehicle controller 114 into sign language based on a sign languageprotocol. For example, the first user 104 may speak American SignLanguage (ASL). The second user 106 may speak French. The vehiclecontroller 114 can obtain a translation library (or equivalent) from theservice provider 108 and perform ASL-to-French translation. When thevehicle controller 114 translates spoken French into ASL, the vehiclecontroller activates the sign language output device 126 to provide signlanguage output to the first user 104.

FIGS. 2A-2B collectively illustrate various embodiments of the signlanguage output device 126. For example, in FIG. 2A, the sign languageoutput device 126 comprises a display 200 that includes athree-dimensional animation 202. In some embodiments, thethree-dimensional animation 202 comprises a sign language avatar. Thesign language avatar can act out the sign language output. The signlanguage avatar may include an entire representation of a person or onlyhands in some instances. In some embodiments, the display 200 can beintegrated as part of the human-machine interface 122 of the vehicle102. Thus, the first user 104 can utilize the display 200 to controlother aspects of vehicle operations such as climate control andentertainment. The display 200 could also provide a keyboard as a backupmethod for interacting with the second user 106 if the translationservice provided by the vehicle controller 114 becomes inoperable. Insome embodiments, the display 200 can also provide textual content thatcorresponds to the sign language output. Thus, the first user 104 canengage in both expressive and receptive speech using the display 200,even when the sign language avatar is unavailable. The display 200 canalso provide ancillary content to the first user 104 to supplement thesign language output provided. To be sure, in some embodiments, thedisplay 200 can include the mobile device 112 of FIG. 1 rather than adedicated in-vehicle display. Thus, the mobile device 112 could becommunicatively coupled with the vehicle controller 114 of FIG. 1through an application executing on the mobile device 112. Thus, themobile device 112 is a sign language output device in some instances.

In FIG. 2B, the sign language output device 126 comprises a pair ofrobotic hands 204. The sign language output is provided throughmechanized control of the robotic hands. That is, just as thetranslation library can be used for pattern matching to determine signlanguage input from the first user 104, where finger and hand positionare identified to determine letters or words spoken in sign language,the finger and hand positions of the robotic hands 204 can be controlledto provide the sign language output to the first user 104.

In addition to providing spoken words to sign language translations, thevehicle controller 114 can also be utilized to translate betweenmultiple spoken languages. For example, the first user 104 may speakwith sign language, the second user 106 may speak English, but a thirduser (another passenger) may speak German. The vehicle controller 114can multi-laterally translate between each of these languages. Thus, insome embodiments, the vehicle controller 114 can translate a firsttarget language translation into a second target language translation.

A physical interface between the vehicle controller 114 and the signlanguage output device 126 could be a standard connection such asEthernet for example. A virtual or short-range wireless connection canalso be used. This allows for plug-and-play devices giving usersdifferent costs and options. For example a ride-share driver may choosea simpler solution than a professional mobility service.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example method for allowing a sign languagespeaker to converse with a non-sign language speaker in a vehicle. Insome embodiments, the method includes steps associated with translatingsign language into audible speech. The method can include a step 302 ofreceiving sign language input from a first user. The sign language inputcan include images obtained by a camera.

The method can include a step 304 of determining a sign languageprotocol used by the first user, such as ASL. Next, the method caninclude a step 306 of determining a target language used by a seconduser. For example, a passenger in a vehicle may not speak sign languagebut does speak English. The determination of the target language couldoccur through sampling of audio obtained using a microphone or from aselection made by the second user through an interface of the vehicle(such as the human-machine interface 122 of FIG. 1). In otherembodiments, the target language could be determined from a user profileor from a user's input into an interface of the vehicle.

Once the sign language protocol for the sign language speaker andlanguage type for the non-sign language speaker are known, the methodcan include a step 308 of obtaining a translation library or engine.Again, the translation library or engine can include any resource thatallows for translation between sign language and a target language. Insome embodiments the translation library or engine can be obtained froma service provider or other similar resource.

Next, the method includes a step 310 of translating the sign languageinput into a spoken or natural language output using the translationlibrary or engine. In order for the sign language speaker to receivespeech from a non-sign language speaker, the method includes a step 312of receiving spoken word input from the second user. This spoken wordinput can include natural language or conversational speech. This speechcan be captured by a microphone in the vehicle. The method can include astep 314 of translating the audio/spoken word input into sign languageoutput using the translation library or engine. Once translated, themethod can include a step 316 of providing the sign language outputthrough a sign language output device such as a display that provides ananimated avatar.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another example method wherein bidirectionalcommunication is facilitated. The method includes a step 402 ofreceiving sign language input from a first user using an in-vehiclecamera of a vehicle. Next, the method includes a step 404 of translatingthe sign language input into a first target language translation, aswell as a step 406 of outputting the first target language translationas audio output through a human-machine interface to a second user.Steps 402-406 allow a sign language speaker to communicate expressivelyto a non-sign language speaker, such as a driver of a vehicle.

To allow the non-sign language speaker to communicate expressively withthe sign language speaker, the method includes a step 408 of receivingspoken word input from the second user, as well as a step 410 ofconverting the spoken word input into sign language output. Once thesign language output is obtained, the method includes a step 412 ofproviding the sign language output to the first user using a signlanguage output device.

In view of the above, some example use cases are provided below thatprovide additional context for uses of the present disclosure. In oneexample use case, a passenger can schedule a ride using a ride-sharingservice (could be provided through the service provider 108 system ofFIG. 1). The request from the passenger indicates that they are a signlanguage speaker. Thus the ride-share request comprises a selection ofsign language service from the first user and a selection of the signlanguage protocol (e.g., type of sign language spoken by the passenger).

The passenger can select during booking a type of sign language outputdevice they desire and can make a choice accordingly if multiple optionsare available. The driver is notified that the ride is booked and thatthe passenger is hearing impaired. The vehicle controller transmitsconfigurations such as sign language output device and SYNC language,version, camera specifications and so forth to the service provider.Examples of sign language output devices can include a display foranimating 3D models with corresponding sign language, a hologram device,or a robotic arm which can mimic sign language, or other similarmechanisms.

Next, the vehicle can download appropriate translation engines/librariesfrom the service provider. Once the translation engines/libraries areloaded the driver picks up a passenger and the bi-directionaltranslation process can proceed as needed. Alternatively, thetranslations may occur at the service provider level with the vehiclereceiving audio output for the natural language speaker and signlanguage output for the sign language speaker.

In another example use case, when a driver speaks, audio is transmittedfrom the microphone to the vehicle controller, which translates thespoken word input into sign language output using the translationengines/libraries. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle controllercan activate haptic feedback to obtain the passenger's attention. Thecamera can be used to observe the passenger to see if the passenger'sattention is directed to the camera. Next, the sign language output isprovided to the passenger through the selected sign language outputdevice.

In use cases where no driver is present, the sign language speakingpassenger can push call customer support button or interface toestablish communication with a customer service agent. The passengergenerates sign language input which is captured by the camera. Thecamera forwards the gestures to the vehicle controller which translatesthem to the proper driver's or customer service operator's language. Invarious embodiments, the passenger can be provided with an option todisable the translation services in case the passenger wants tocommunicate privately with another passenger.

In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof, which illustrate specificimplementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It isunderstood that other implementations may be utilized, and structuralchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodimentdescribed may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, one skilled in the art will recognizesuch feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with otherembodiments whether or not explicitly described.

Implementations of the systems, apparatuses, devices, and methodsdisclosed herein may comprise or utilize a special purpose orgeneral-purpose computer including computer hardware, such as, forexample, one or more processors and system memory, as discussed herein.Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure may alsoinclude physical and other computer-readable media for carrying orstoring computer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Suchcomputer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer system.Computer-readable media that stores computer-executable instructions iscomputer storage media (devices). Computer-readable media that carriescomputer-executable instructions is transmission media. Thus, by way ofexample, and not limitation, implementations of the present disclosurecan comprise at least two distinctly different kinds ofcomputer-readable media: computer storage media (devices) andtransmission media.

Computer storage media (devices) includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM,solid state drives (SSDs) (e.g., based on RAM), flash memory,phase-change memory (PCM), other types of memory, other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium which can be used to store desired program code means inthe form of computer-executable instructions or data structures andwhich can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

An implementation of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed hereinmay communicate over a computer network. A “network” is defined as oneor more data links that enable the transport of electronic data betweencomputer systems and/or modules and/or other electronic devices. Wheninformation is transferred or provided over a network or anothercommunications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or anycombination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computerproperly views the connection as a transmission medium. Transmissionmedia can include a network and/or data links, which can be used tocarry desired program code means in the form of computer-executableinstructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a generalpurpose or special purpose computer. Combinations of the above shouldalso be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which, when executed at a processor, cause a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing deviceto perform a certain function or group of functions. Thecomputer-executable instructions may be, for example, binaries,intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or evensource code. Although the subject matter has been described in languagespecific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to beunderstood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the described features or acts described above.Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example formsof implementing the claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure maybe practiced in network computing environments with many types ofcomputer system configurations, including in-dash vehicle computers,personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, messageprocessors, handheld devices, multi-processor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs,minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones, PDAs, tablets,pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices, and the like. Thedisclosure may also be practiced in distributed system environmentswhere local and remote computer systems, which are linked (either byhardwired data links, wireless data links, or by any combination ofhardwired and wireless data links) through a network, both performtasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may belocated in both the local and remote memory storage devices.

Further, where appropriate, the functions described herein can beperformed in one or more of hardware, software, firmware, digitalcomponents, or analog components. For example, one or more applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs) can be programmed to carry out oneor more of the systems and procedures described herein. Certain termsare used throughout the description and claims refer to particularsystem components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, componentsmay be referred to by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components that differ in name, but not function.

It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed above maycomprise computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combinationthereof to perform at least a portion of their functions. For example, asensor may include computer code configured to be executed in one ormore processors and may include hardware logic/electrical circuitrycontrolled by the computer code. These example devices are providedherein for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in furthertypes of devices, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevantart(s).

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure have been directedto computer program products comprising such logic (e.g., in the form ofsoftware) stored on any computer-usable medium. Such software, whenexecuted in one or more data processing devices, causes a device tooperate as described herein.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilledin the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents. The foregoing description has been presented for thepurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching. Further, it should be noted that any or all of theaforementioned alternate implementations may be used in any combinationdesired to form additional hybrid implementations of the presentdisclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respectto a particular device or component may be performed by another deviceor component. Further, while specific device characteristics have beendescribed, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous otherdevice characteristics. Further, although embodiments have beendescribed in language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms ofimplementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, amongothers, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include,while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements,and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intendedto imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way requiredfor one or more embodiments.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving signlanguage input from a first user using a camera of a vehicle;translating the sign language input into a first target languagetranslation; outputting the first target language translation as audiooutput through an audio output to a second user; receiving spoken wordinput from the second user; translating the spoken word input into signlanguage output; and providing the sign language output to the firstuser using a sign language output device.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising translating the first target languagetranslation into a second target language translation.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the first target language translation isoutput in a natural language format.
 4. The method according to claim 1,wherein providing the sign language output to the first user comprisesdisplaying a sign language avatar based on a sign language protocol. 5.The method according to claim 1, further comprising activating a hapticfeedback on a seat associated with the first user when the sign languageoutput is provided.
 6. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising utilizing output of the camera to determine when the firstuser is looking at the sign language output device.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a ride-share requestcomprising a selection of sign language service from the first user anda selection of a sign language protocol; and selecting the vehicle inresponse to the ride-share request.
 8. The method according to claim 7,further comprising: determining a language type for the second user; andreceiving a translation library based on the language type and the signlanguage protocol.
 9. A system, comprising: a camera; a microphone; anaudio output device; a sign language output device; and a vehiclecontroller comprising a processor and memory, the processor executinginstructions stored in the memory to: receive sign language input from afirst user using the camera; translate the sign language input into afirst target language translation; output the first target languagetranslation as audio output through the audio output device to a seconduser; receive spoken word input from the second user through themicrophone; convert the spoken word input into sign language output; andprovide the sign language output using the sign language output device.10. The system according to claim 9, further comprising obtaining a signlanguage protocol for the first user and a language library for thesecond user from a service provider.
 11. The system according to claim10, wherein the first target language translation is output through theaudio output device in a natural language format.
 12. The systemaccording to claim 11, wherein the vehicle controller is configured toprovide the sign language output to the first user by generating ananimated avatar that performs the sign language output according to thesign language protocol.
 13. The system according to claim 9, furthercomprising a haptic feedback mechanism on a seat associated with thefirst user, wherein the vehicle controller is configured to activate thehaptic feedback mechanism before or when the sign language output isprovided.
 14. The system according to claim 9, wherein the vehiclecontroller is configured to utilize output of the camera to determinewhen the first user is looking at the sign language output device. 15.The system according to claim 9, further comprising a service providerthat is configured to: receive a ride-share request comprising aselection of sign language service from the first user and a selectionof a sign language protocol; and select the vehicle in response to theride-share request.
 16. The system according to claim 15, wherein thevehicle controller is further configured to: determine a language typefor the first target language translation; and obtain a translationengine from the service provider based on the language type.
 17. Adevice, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing instructions,the processor executing the instructions to: determine a sign languageprotocol used by a first user; determine a target language used by asecond user; obtain a translation library based on the sign languageprotocol and the target language; receive spoken word input from asecond user through a microphone; and convert the spoken word input intosign language output using the translation library; and provide the signlanguage output using a sign language output device.
 18. The deviceaccording to claim 17, wherein the sign language output device comprisesa mobile device of the first user.
 19. The device according to claim 17,wherein the processor is configured to: receive sign language input froma first user using a camera; translate the sign language input into aspoken or natural language output using the translation library; andoutput the spoken or natural language output through an audio device.20. The device according to claim 17, wherein the processor isconfigured to utilize output of a camera to determine when the firstuser is looking at the sign language output device.